the history of jacob’s well christian coffeehouse

The History of Jacob’s Well

Christian Coffeehouse

The story of Jacob’s Well begins with “a tale of two cities”

in the 1970s…

1. Worcester, Massachusetts

• That’s where Dawn Blais went to her very first “coffeehouse” at the Calvary Evangelistic Center in downtown Worcester.

• That’s where she came to know the Lord personally in 1971 during the original “Jesus Movement.”

2. Chicago, Illinois

• That’s where Drew Crandall began going to a secular coffeehouse in the city, where he enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere, the good tunes, something refreshing to eat and drink, and playing chess.

After Drew became a Christian and married Dawn, the family moved to Ellington, CT in 1987.

For many years, Drew led the men’s ministry at Grace Bible Baptist Church on Prospect Street in Rockville using a coffeehouse format.

• In September of 1994, the couple moved to Ellington Wesleyan Church. Shortly thereafter, Pastor Norm Mesel mentioned that the church was praying for new ways to reach out to the local community.

• Drew suggested starting “Jacob’s Well Christian Coffeehouse” based on John 4, and put together a proposal for Pastor and the Church Board to consider.

The Mission?

• To share the Good News through the performing arts.

• Church leaders enthusiastically approved the proposal, so we formed a team of volunteers to organize the coffeehouse, to be held on first Fridays.

• Our first coffeehouse was held on October 6, 1995 featuring singer Lori O’Brien of Naugatuck, CT.

Local media, including the Journal Inquirer covered the launch…

• The logo was designed by art Drew’s art director at the time-- finest Christian graphic designer and illustrator Drew has ever worked with…Rick DeMarco of Willimantic. He’s now with the Lord.

• Rick and Drew met at New England Revival ’89 at the Hartford Civic Center.

Over the past 19 years, over 200 coffeehouses have been held, featuring over 175 different soloists and groups including:

• Kory Schutz

• Road to Heaven

• Bob Stanhope

• Dennis Grady

• Susan Lavigne

• Judy Buch & Hands of Peace

• Mike Lawson & Edgar the puppet

• Charles Denler

• Marquis Laughlin

• Robbie C

• Susan Bailey

• 33 Years

• Cornerstone

• Forgiven

• Raging Grace

• Steve Turley

• Peter Oliva

• Little Harmony

• Everett Barber

• Amusing Grace

• Nashville Fats

• True Witness

• Nate & James

• Mo Carpenter

• Heartsong

• Michael Hakanson-Stacy

• Cheryl Batter

• Broken Box

• 2 For One

• Louis Crescenti

• Emanuel Transmission

• George Tifft & 4PAK

• Louis Crescenti

• Debi Kiontke

• Mary Shuttleworth

• Jeannie Pomanowski

• Two Fold

• Andrienne Reedy

• Joshua Tiner

• Christy Burnham

• Zeal

• Robert Fullerton

• Cindi Meehan

• The Martels

• Promise Land Band

• The Jacob’s Brothers

• Rob Carter & the Blueprints

• Jim Lenn

• Blu

• Linda Okula

• Fran Reagan

• Mercy Road

• Andrew Springman & Yokefellows

• Chris Marchetti

• Happy Wanderers

• Jim Underwood & East of Nashville

• Robin O’Herin

• Joseph Wilson

• Adrienne Reedy

• One Accord

• Red Embers

• Bizzy Bender

• Ashley Greenwood

• Naima

• The Crossing

• Book Ends

• David Deschamplain

• David & Judy Harris

• Leah Martensen

• Ryan Brown

• Chris Heard

• John DeSorbo

• Firefly

• Bryan Roberts

• Crystal Lake Praise Team

• Bob & Lisa Benoit

• Arno Groot

• Tom Petri

• Jim Albano

• Lorraine Ireland

• Kathleen King

• “Drew the Drummer”

• Roger Nelson

• Traci Root

• Sam Bowen

We haven’t hidden our light under a bushel!

• For years, we sent monthly postcards to hundreds of contacts. Now it’s 99% email.

• We generate ongoing publicity in local print, TV, radio and online media.

• We place posters in high-traffic locations.

• We’re online @ JacobsWellCoffeehouse.com.

• We use social media (Facebook and Twitter).

• We create church bulletins.

• We generate grassroots word of mouth.

• Gospel messages and invitations are included with every coffeehouse.

• Souls are saved, saints are encouraged.

• There’s emotional, mental, physical, spiritual healing…just what you’d hope from a coffeehouse named Jacob’s Well!

• Jacob’s Well is held on the First Friday of the month. We deliberately create a laid-back, no-pressure, casual atmosphere. We offer free parking, admission, and refreshments.

• We take donations

and have sponsors, to pay expenses.

• Doors open at 7:00 pm. We pray with performers at 7:15, and the live performance begins around 7:30.

• After one set, at around 8:45, Drew shares a Gospel message/invitation, then our performer closes with one more song.

• We typically wrap up by 9:00.

Typical attendance

• Fluctuates month-to-month based on many factors…from 50 to 120.

• Age ranges from kids to seniors; average age is probably mid-40s. It has skewed “older” vs. “younger.”

• Ethnicity reflects suburban environment: mostly Caucasian, some African-American, Hispanic, Asian participation.

Some testimonies…

• “The coffeehouse has been a time I look forward to each month. There is always a sweet spirit as you generously welcome everyone. I especially appreciate the invitation to receive Jesus, so sincerely and humbly expressed.”

• “I’ve known Drew for a long time now. I have family and friends of many races and religions. I’ve been close to Jesus since early childhood. None of that has changed, but I look forward to my first Fridays at the coffeehouse. Loud music or soft, not important. We come together in friendship to glorify the Lord. We always feel we are surrounded by the love of friends and the Glory of God. Allelujiah!”

• “I’ve enjoyed coming to Jacob’s Well several times. The entertainment is great and I really feel the Spirit of the Lord here. I wish I had come sooner. God bless your ministry and fellowship.”

• “The people and music are very uplifting spiritually. Jesus is present with the talents we all possess.”

• “I have come to Jacob’s Well a few times since moving to Ellington. On one visit, I shared with Drew that I was going to be a foster parent to a young boy who needed a temporary home. Although I was delighted that God had chosen me for this assignment, I was a bit nervous about being a single parent and providing a balanced, Godly home to this child…”

• “…Drew gathered a few men, his Pastor, Dr. Benjamin and a few others, and they prayed for me and for little Alex. I felt such a relief and a burden lifted that night. I cried as I drove home filled with peace and a sense of the love that was shown towards me. Alex lived with me for two years and he had great experiences during this time. He enjoyed the times he came to Jacob’s Well. He is back home with his mother and always looks at his time here with happiness. Thanks to you all for all your love and support.”

• “When ever work and life takes it toll, we can come here to be refreshed in Spirit and Word, to carry on.”

• “Tonight was my first time at Jacob’s Well. This tremendously blessed me, since little did I know more than half of the group worships with me in a church in New Britain. This was like Old Home week for me! Since I had also gone through a painful divorce and other pain, this night caused deep blessing of encouragement in my life…”

• “…We are all in different churches seeking to continue to follow our King. I have been very encouraged and exhorted in the Lord tonight. Truly a blessing. Awesome presence of the Lord!”

• “Last night I brought my grandson to explore the coffee house experience. We really enjoyed Dave's music and had a really nice time. By the way, I really appreciate that you are informative, as well as informal! Very nice welcoming. Felt very comfortable!”

Influence and Impact beyond

• Since 1995, we’ve assisted over 50 organizations to launch coffeehouses in Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Colchester, Waterbury, Meriden, East Longmeadow MA, Wilbraham MA, Catskill NY, Bath ME, Myrtle Beach SC, Tampa FL, Houston TX, across the USA and even the US base in Baghdad, Iraq.

• We brought the Life Action Singers to Ellington High School in 1996…

• which led to two encore performances at Rockville High School in 1999…

• which helped to set the stage for JesusFest (held annually since 2002) and the Forgiven play at Tolland High School in 2005, Robin Mark in 2007, Carman in 2008.

• At least 35 performers at JesusFest were “discovered” through Jacob’s Well.

After 11 years, in the fall 2006…

• Although the coffeehouse was one of the church’s most vibrant and visible ministries, Ellington Wesleyan Church was facing a financial crisis, and church leaders made the hard decision to cut coffeehouse funding.

• However, Drew and Dawn were convinced the Lord wanted the coffeehouse to continue, so our business, KEEP IN TOUCH, stepped to the plate to fill the financial gap. Our volunteer staff stayed as we went into 2007.

• In early 2007, Pastor Mesel announced he was leaving. Drew felt very strongly that the coffeehouse would help the church to have some degree of continuity during the pastoral transition.

• The new pastor came aboard in July. We continued to have the coffeehouse at Ellington Wesleyan Church in September. After that, Drew and Dawn chose to leave the church.

Changing churches and venues

• Having been a church leader there for 13 years, Drew worked carefully with the new pastor on a logical, tactful transition plan.

• “Released” from Ellington Wesleyan Church, Drew moved the coffeehouse to secular venues for several months. Discussions began about moving the coffeehouse to Bev’s Corner Drop-in Center in downtown Rockville.

Our home since April 2008.

• Bev’s Corner is an ideal venue for a 1960’s style coffeehouse. It’s a quaint 1889 storefront across from Central Park in Rockville.

As for the future?

• Currently in discussions about a “Jacob’s Well Series” in another historic storefront in the center of an another Connecticut city.

• We’re now in our 19th year, and the coffeehouse is going strong and bearing good fruit. We’ll keep on keeping on until the Lord tells us to stop or shift gears!

It has been an amazing journey!

• If you have any questions, please call Drew Crandall at 1-800-JOY-9075 or email dcrandall@ChristAtWork.org .